R. Allen Stanford enters the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston, where he was sentenced to 110 years in prison for bilking investors out of more than $7 billion over 20 years in one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history, Thursday, June 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) less

R. Allen Stanford enters the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston, where he was sentenced to 110 years in prison for bilking investors out of more than $7 billion over 20 years in one of the largest Ponzi ... more

U.S. District Judge David Hittner assessed the sentences after pleas for leniency from both defendants through their attorneys.

Neither man spoke on his own behalf.

Lopez and Kuhrt were convicted in November on multiple criminal charges for their roles in the multinational, multibillion-dollar fraud that cheated an estimated 28,000 investors with worthless certificates of deposit.

The scheme's ringleader, Lopez and Kuhrt's now-disgraced boss R. Allen Stanford, is already serving a 110-year sentence. Two other executives - including one who testified against Stanford and one who admitted obstructing justice and cut a deal with prosecutors - earlier were sentenced to terms of five and three years.

Defense attorney Jack Zimmermann sought a more lenient three-year sentence for Lopez, citing his age, 70 years; his position "down the chain;" and his expressed remorse for the investors who lost money and the Stanford employees who lost their jobs.

This Photo Of Outlaw Jesse James Could Make One Collector A Very Rich ManBuzz 60

"It's absurd. It's obscene. It's an affront to the criminal-justice system," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Goldberg said, countering that Lopez "time after time lied to this jury" that convicted him.

After a short break in which Lopez was led away in handcuffs, attorney Richard Kuniansky arrived with Kuhrt. He cited more than 50 letters submitted attesting to his client's character.

In a bit of courtroom theater, Kuniansky also asked everyone in courtroom there in support of Kuhrt to stand. More than 20 did so.

He requested no more than five years behind bars.

The government suggested the people who wrote the supportive letters did not know the facts of the case. It sought a 25-year term.

With five executives now sentenced, Hittner has assessed a total of 158 years in prison time in connection with the Stanford crimes.

A sixth defendant, Antiguan regulator Leroy King, continues to successfully fight extradition to the U.S. to stand trial.

The government values the global fraud at $5.9 billion in worthless certificates of deposit issued by Stanford International Bank in the Caribbean nation of Antigua, plus $1.3 billion in fictitious interest.